The Next Generation - Vol 5

In this piece, I highlight three promising fighters on their journey to potential UFC stardom, giving them well-deserved recognition before they reach the big stage. Each fighter is introduced with a brief background, followed by their responses to three key questions—offering insight into their mindset, expectations, and what fans can look forward to in their careers.

Luke Fernandes (Light-heavyweight, USA)

Fernandez turned pro in 2023 and has been tearing it up, racking up three wins. To cap it off he ended the year winning the CFFC light-heavyweight title. Prior to turning pro, Fernandez was 6-0 as an amateur. He was the reigning CFFC amateur 205-pound champion. He's really made a name for himself as one of the best light-heavyweight prospects currently.

For the fans that's never watched you what would you tell them to expect?
"Fans could expect calculated violence. For a LHW, I think my pace and flow are what make me dangerous."

What makes you different than any other fighter that steps in the cage?
"I think what sets me apart for everybody else is my athleticism. A lot of upper weights are stiff and ridged, but I’d like to think I’m much more fluent than the rest. This comes from training all aspects of my game and pushing my conditioning to the next level."

What legacy do you wanna leave in the sport when it's all said and done?
"The legacy I want to leave behind in this sport is: the hardest worker in the room, but also the one having the most fun. This sport is absolutely grueling! I’m just super thankful to be able to chase my dream. So I’m looking to have fun and enjoy my journey each and every step of the way. Life is too short not to live in the moment."

Anthony Orozco (Welterweight, USA)

Orozco is unbeaten as a pro, 9-1 as an amateur, IMMAF Pan American champion, and in wrestling, a four-time NAIA All-American and two-time national champion. Although he is American, Orozco has made a name for himself in the Cage Warriors promotion. He's coming off his first main event against a formidable opponent and Orozco proved he belonged.

For the fans that's never watched you what would you tell them to expect?
"Big slams and American wrestling, while hunting for the kill the whole time."

What makes you different than any other fighter that steps in the cage?
"Hmm, I don’t really think much separates me besides my style.. AO style is unique and hard to replicate."

What legacy do you wanna leave in the sport when it's all said and done?
"Legacy would be how great of an example I am to those around me."

Abe Alsaghir (Lightweight, Lebanon)

No Lebanese fighter has ever competed in the UFC, but Abe Alsaghir has a strong chance of being the first. Now based in Detroit, Michigan, Alsaghir has been training relentlessly to reach the sport’s highest level. He's 6-0 as a pro and as an amateur Alsaghir went 6-0 as well. He's heavily flying under the radar but once back from an injury he's one to keep a close look at.

For the fans that's never watched you what would you tell them to expect?
"For the fans that never watched me they should always expect me to be looking for the finish, either a ko or submission. Im a well-rounded fighter, im always trying to make my opponent fight my fight."

What makes you different than any other fighter that steps in the cage?
"You know thats a really hard question but for me I take one fight at a time and with that im not a guy that looses focus on whats in front of him. I show up, put in the work and go preform, im not there for all tht other stuff."

What legacy do you wanna leave in the sport when it's all said and done?
"Once I put my hands on UFC gold its all said and done for me. I started with my team as a guy with zero fights being their first fighter. The dream is to get to the UFC together and stay by making a run."